Common Client Question: “How Much Will It Cost?”
One of the first questions prospective clients ask is: “How much do I have to pay a personal injury attorney?” Understanding attorney fees is crucial before pursuing a claim. Fortunately, most personal injury lawyers in Nevada, including our team at Lavigne Law Firm, operate on a contingency fee basis. Occasionally, some attorneys may charge hourly fees, which we also explain below, along with an overview of associated case costs.
Contingency Fees Explained
A contingency fee means your attorney only gets paid if your case is successful. In this arrangement:
- You pay nothing upfront.
- Your attorney receives a percentage of the settlement or judgment.
- The percentage typically ranges from 33.3% to 50%, depending on whether the case settles before or after litigation.
Advantages of Contingency Fees:
- Your lawyer is motivated to maximize your settlement.
- No upfront payment means anyone can pursue a claim regardless of financial status.
- If your attorney does not win your case, you usually owe no attorney fees.
Our Fee Structure at Lavigne Law Firm:
- 33.3% contingency fee during pre-litigation.
- 40% contingency fee after filing a lawsuit (litigation phase).
Hourly Fees for Personal Injury Lawyers
Some attorneys charge an hourly rate ranging from $300 to $1,000 per hour. This fee structure can become financially overwhelming for most clients, which is why hourly fees are rarely used in personal injury cases. If you cannot find a lawyer willing to take your case on contingency, it may indicate your case is unlikely to succeed.
Case Costs Are Separate from Attorney Fees
In addition to attorney fees, case costs may arise. These include:
- Expert witness fees
- Court reporter and deposition costs
- Administrative expenses
- Travel costs
Medical malpractice cases often incur higher costs due to multiple experts, while vehicle accident cases generally have lower costs.
How We Handle Costs at Lavigne Law Firm:
We cover all upfront case costs and only request reimbursement if your case successfully resolves. If your claim is unsuccessful, you owe no costs. This approach allows you to pursue your claim without financial risk.
Example of Cost and Fee Breakdown
If your attorney pays $500 in costs and you have $15,000 in medical bills, a $100,000 settlement may be divided as follows:
| Item | Amount |
| Case Costs | $500 |
| Medical Bills | $15,000 |
| Attorney Fees (33.3%) | $33,333 |
| Client Recovery | $51,167 |
| Total Settlement | $100,000 |
Recovering Costs After Trial
If your case goes to trial and you prevail, Nevada law allows recovery of certain costs from the losing party, including but not limited to:
- Court and clerk fees
- Deposition and reporter fees
- Juror expenses and compensation for court officers
- Witness fees and expert witness fees (up to limits)
- Interpreter fees
- Process server fees
- Travel, lodging, and administrative costs related to discovery and trial preparation
This helps reduce your out-of-pocket expenses when your case is successful.
